<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/span>Method:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Chop your cabbage up. I suggest cutting pretty small pieces, but not so small that you need a coffee filter to filter out the solids after you finish. \u00c2\u00a0It’s best to chop them large enough that you can use a fine colander or s
\n<\/a>trainer to filter out the pieces. You can certainly ignore that suggestion and use the coffee filter, but my way is easier (and faster).\u00c2\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/desertwind.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/DWBlogCabbage11.jpg\" "\\"DWBlogCabbage1\\"")
<\/li>\n- If you want to use the microwave, put the cabbage in a large, microwaveable bowl. Add enough water to almost cover cabbage, cover the bowl, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Don’t leave it unattended; if the cabbage water begins to boil over, turn the microwave OFF and consider the cooking portion finished. Let cool. See how my overly-excited boy is enjoying himself?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/desertwind.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/DWBlogCabbage2-214x300.jpg\" "\\"Adding")
<\/a><\/li>\n- If you want to use the stove, put your cabbage into a large pot. Add enough water to almost cover the cabbage. Bring the water to a boil, and boil for no more than 3-5 minutes.\u00c2\u00a0Don’t leave it unattended; if the cabbage water begins to boil over, turn the stove OFF and consider the cooking portion finished. Let cool.<\/li>\n
- A third option involves pouring boiling water over your cabbage (till almost covered), and covering. Let sit until cooled.<\/li>\n
- A fourth option, which I’ve seen used in schools, is to put all of the cabbage in a large ziplock bag, add hot tap water, seal it and leave in the classroom sink or a tub, overnight. In the morning, cut a corner and let drain into a jar.<\/li>\n
- Using the coffee filter, and or strainer, drain the (cooled!) water from the cabbage into your clean jar.<\/li>\n
- If your homemade indicator solution appears to be too dilute, you can boil it down until it’s as concentrated as you’d like. It won’t hurt the indicator.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Your water will be a deep purple\/blue, depending on the pH of your water. It should be fairly close to pH=7 (Neutral).<\/div>\nRecall: pH=1-7 is acidic. \u00c2\u00a0pH = 7-14 is basic.<\/div>\nNow, for testing (Boo had a lot more fun testing items, than he did creating the pH indicator solution):<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/desertwind.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/DWBlogCabbage41.jpg\" "\\"DWBlogCabbage4\\"")
<\/a><\/div>\n\n- \n
- Pour 1-4 T of the substance you want to test into a clear or white bowl\/small glass\/test tube. ‘Cuz we should all have test tubes lying around the house (see mine?)<\/li>\n
- Add a few drops of your homemade indicator solution to the substance you want to test.<\/li>\n
- Swirl gently to mix (especially important if you test something like Clorox Bleach. Be careful and use common sense when testing any substance!) Add a few more drops if you’d like, to see what will happen.<\/li>\n
- Very generally, the indicator will turn shades of pink in the presence of acids. The indicator should turn blue, then green, and finally yellow in the presence of bases.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The school year has started back up, and that means it might be time to start thinking about upcoming science fair projects. Don’t even think about building a Baking Soda\/Vinegar Volcano.I’m not kidding. \u00c2\u00a0Step. Away. From. The. Volcano. However, if you\/your child is interested in acid and base reactions, this is a good first step &hellip Continue reading
- If you want to use the microwave, put the cabbage in a large, microwaveable bowl. Add enough water to almost cover cabbage, cover the bowl, and microwave for 3-5 minutes. Don’t leave it unattended; if the cabbage water begins to boil over, turn the microwave OFF and consider the cooking portion finished. Let cool. See how my overly-excited boy is enjoying himself?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n